White Bread Recipe

The aroma of freshly baked white bread wafting through your kitchen is one of life’s simple yet extraordinary pleasures. This classic white bread recipe delivers perfectly soft, pillowy slices with a golden crust that makes your mouth water before you even take the first bite. Whether you’re spreading butter on a warm slice or building the perfect sandwich, homemade white bread elevates every meal with its comforting texture and wholesome flavor. You’ll learn how to create bakery-quality loaves with basic ingredients and straightforward techniques that even beginners can master.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This white bread recipe stands out from store-bought versions with its irresistible homemade quality that simply can’t be matched. The contrast between the tender, fluffy interior and the slightly crisp, buttery crust creates a sensory experience that’s worth every minute spent making it.

What makes this white bread truly special is its versatility—it’s perfect for everything from morning toast to lunchtime sandwiches to dinnertime accompaniments. The recipe is forgiving enough for novice bakers yet delivers consistent, professional results that will make you feel like a master bread maker.

Unlike many homemade bread recipes that require specialty ingredients, this white bread recipe uses pantry staples you likely already have on hand. The dough comes together quickly in a stand mixer, and the heavenly scent that fills your home as it bakes is an added bonus that no store-bought bread can provide.

Ingredients List for the White Bread Recipe

Before diving into the bread-making process, gather these simple ingredients that combine to create the perfect white bread. The balance of honey and sugar provides just the right amount of sweetness, while the butter enriches the dough for a tender crumb.

• 1 ⅔ cups lukewarm water (divided)
• 2 ¼ teaspoon instant yeast (or active dry yeast)
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon honey ((or more sugar))
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 ½ tablespoons unsalted butter (cubed at room temperature)
• 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour (divided)
• 1 ½ tablespoons butter (melted for brushing)

Pro Tips

For the absolute best white bread results, keep these critical techniques in mind:

First, temperature matters significantly when working with yeast. Your water should be lukewarm (about 105-110°F)—too hot will kill the yeast, while too cold will prevent proper activation. Test it on your wrist; it should feel comfortable, neither hot nor cool.

Second, the kneading process is crucial for developing gluten, which gives your white bread its structure. Don’t rush this step—properly kneaded dough should feel smooth and elastic, and pass the “windowpane test” where a small piece can be stretched thin enough to see light through without tearing.

Finally, create the optimal rising environment by placing your covered dough in a draft-free, warm spot. A good trick is to preheat your oven to its lowest setting for just a minute, then turn it off and place the dough inside with the door closed—this creates the perfect warm environment for your homemade white bread to rise beautifully.

Instructions

Step 1: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook combine the instant yeast, sugar, and half of the lukewarm water. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy (if using active dry yeast, let sit for 15 minutes).

Step 2: Add the remaining water, honey, salt, cubed butter, and 4 cups of flour to the bowl. Knead at low speed until the dough comes together and is soft but not sticky. Add a few more tablespoons of the remaining flour if necessary. Continue to knead for 6–9 minutes until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl and is soft and smooth.

Step 3: Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl and make sure that it is completely coated. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm and draft-free place for about 45 minutes, or until doubled in size.

Step 4: Lightly flour your work surface and turn out the dough onto it. Divide it into two equally sized portions. Use your fingers to gently pat each half into a 8×12 inch rectangle while pressing it all over to remove any air pockets. Starting at the short end, roll up the rectangle into a tight roll and pinch the seams to seal. Tuck the ends of the roll slightly under the roll to create some tension on the surface and place each loaf into a greased 8×4 inch loaf pan tucked ends and seam side down. Cover with a greased piece of plastic wrap and let rise for about 45 minutes in a warm and draft-free place until doubled in size.

Step 5: Preheat oven to 390 degrees F and adjust oven rack to lower-middle position.

Step 6: Bake loaves for 25–30 minutes until golden brown (and the loaf registers 208 to 210 degrees).

Step 7: Invert bread onto a cooling rack. Reinvert loaves and brush the tops and sides with melted butter. Let cool completely before slicing.

Variations

The classic white bread recipe serves as a perfect foundation for delicious variations to suit different tastes and occasions:

For Herb and Garlic Bread, add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 tablespoon each of dried rosemary and thyme to the dough during the mixing stage. This aromatic variation creates a savory bread perfect for serving with pasta dishes or soups.

Create a Honey Whole Wheat version by substituting 2 cups of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour and increasing the honey to 2 tablespoons. This healthier alternative maintains the soft texture of traditional homemade bread while adding nutritional benefits and a nutty flavor profile.

For a Cinnamon Swirl Loaf, after rolling out the dough in step 4, spread a mixture of ½ cup brown sugar and 2 tablespoons cinnamon before rolling it up, creating a sweet breakfast bread that’s wonderful toasted.

Storage and Serving

Your homemade white bread will stay fresh at room temperature for 2-3 days when stored in an airtight container or plastic bag. For longer storage, slice the completely cooled bread and freeze it in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Individual slices can be toasted directly from frozen, making weekday breakfasts a breeze.

Serve this classic white bread warm with a generous spread of butter for a simple yet satisfying treat. For breakfast, top toasted slices with avocado, a poached egg, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an elevated start to your day.

For the ultimate comfort food dinner, use thick-cut slices to make French toast, grilled cheese sandwiches, or homemade garlic bread to accompany pasta. The versatility of this bread means it pairs beautifully with everything from hearty soups to summer salads.

FAQs

Can I make this white bread without a stand mixer?
Yes, you can mix the ingredients in a large bowl with a wooden spoon until combined, then knead by hand on a floured surface for 10-12 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Why didn’t my bread rise properly?
This could be due to expired yeast, water that was too hot or too cold, or an environment that wasn’t warm enough. Test your yeast’s freshness before starting, and ensure your rising area is draft-free and warm.

Can I use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Absolutely! Bread flour will give your white bread an even chewier texture and better structure due to its higher protein content.

How can I tell when my bread is fully baked?
Beyond the golden-brown color, properly baked bread should sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. For precision, an instant-read thermometer should register 208-210°F when inserted into the center.

Can I add seeds or nuts to this recipe?
Yes! Add up to ½ cup of seeds (like sunflower or pumpkin) or chopped nuts to the dough during mixing. Alternatively, brush the top with egg wash before baking and sprinkle with oats or sesame seeds for added texture and visual appeal.

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